If you follow the spiritual girlies on social media, you’ve likely run across the phrase “glamour magic.” While frequently enough presented as the act of using beauty practices to manifest your desires, diviner and spiritual wellness teacher Tatianna Tarot would caution against getting too attached to semantics.

“‘Glamour magic’ is more simplistic than we make it out to be,” Tatianna insists. “I would say that if you find it notably triggering, the words ‘glamour’ or ‘magic,’ you can find parallel words that are synonyms or representations of the same energy or the same concept.” More commonly referred to as “beauty ritual,” investing time in personal upkeep is less about vanity and more about intention and ancestry.

In many traditions across the Black diaspora, adornment, skincare, hair care, color, and fragrance have historically been utilized beyond aesthetics for protection, attraction, and self-empowerment. “I think what a lot of our ancestors recognized back in the day that we’re just kind of acknowledging now, was that beauty is a superpower,” Tatianna declares. “Beauty is also parallel to your inner radiance,your inner being.”

In ancient Kemet, kohl eyeliner was used to protect the eyes from dust, disease and negative spiritual intentions. For the Yoruba people of West Africa, hair threading or “irun kiko” doubles as a protective style and artistic expression. The people of chad renown chébé powder as a gift from god that blesses femininity through the growth of long hair. Similarly, Africa’s Sahel belt has long considered shea butter a sacred offering.

Tatianna on Self-Love, Ancestral Connection, and Setting Boundaries

Drag queen and reality television personality Tatianna emphasizes the importance of self-love as a foundational element for healthy relationships and personal empowerment. Her perspective centers on recognizing and honoring one’s inherent worth, drawing parallels between connecting with ancestors and connecting with oneself.

The Link between Self-Worth and boundaries

Tatianna argues that a strong sense of self-worth is crucial for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. She highlights that how you treat yourself directly influences how others will treat you. “The way you treat yourself is going to tell people how to treat you,” she explains. This underscores the idea that self-respect isn’t merely an internal feeling, but a signal communicated to the external world.

Honoring Your Divinity and Ancestry

Central to Tatianna’s beliefs is the concept of honoring one’s “divinity” – recognizing the inherent sacredness and value within oneself. She draws a connection between honoring ancestors through offerings and rituals and extending that same reverence to oneself. “If we are connecting to the Creator, connecting to our ancestors, giving them offerings, why can’t we do the same for ourselves as living beings?” she poses. This question challenges the notion that self-care and self-respect are somehow less deserving than honoring external forces or figures.

The Importance of Self-Offering

The idea of “self-offering” as Tatianna presents it, isn’t about material sacrifice, but about dedicating time, energy, and resources to nurturing one’s own well-being.This can take many forms, from practicing self-care rituals to pursuing personal growth and setting boundaries that protect one’s emotional and mental health. It’s about actively investing in oneself as a worthy recipient of love and respect.

key Takeaways

• Self-Worth is Paramount: A strong sense of self-worth is the foundation for healthy relationships and boundaries.
• Boundaries as Communication: How you treat yourself communicates to others how they should treat you.
• self-Love as Reverence: Extending the same respect and care to yourself as you would to ancestors or a higher power is essential.
• Self-Offering: Actively investing in your own well-being through self-care and personal growth.

Tatianna’s perspective offers a powerful reminder that self-love isn’t selfish, but a necessary act of self-preservation and a vital component of a fulfilling life. By recognizing our own inherent worth and treating ourselves with the same reverence we extend to those we honor, we empower ourselves to create healthier relationships and live more authentically.